Communication device and method of controlling operation of communication device

ABSTRACT

A communication device and method of controlling an operation of a communication device are provided, by which an application can be efficiently selected according to location information. The communication device includes a wireless communication unit for determining a location using received information, a controller for generating location information based on the determined location and searching for an application corresponding to the location information, and a display for displaying an indicator of the searched application.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit ofearlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No.10-2007-0133493, filed on Dec. 18, 2007, the contents of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a communication device, and moreparticularly, to a method of controlling an operation of a communicationdevice. Although the present invention is suitable for a wide scope ofapplications, it is particularly suitable for a communication deviceprovided with a location measuring function.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

A communication device may be configured to perform various functions.Examples of communication device functions include data and voicecommunications, capturing images and video via a camera, recordingaudio, playing music files via a speaker system, and displaying imagesand video on a display. Some terminals also support game playing, whileother terminals are configured as multimedia players. Recently,communication devices have been configured to receive broadcast andmulticast signals to permit viewing of content such as videos andtelevision programs.

Efforts are ongoing to support and increase the functionality ofcommunication devices. These efforts include software and hardwareimprovements, as well as changes and improvements in the structuralcomponents that form communication devices. As a result, a user is ableto easily execute a specific one of a plurality of applications using acommunication device.

However, conventional communication devices do not provide any methodfor allowing a user to select an application according to locationinformation. Therefore, the user must inconveniently enter a menu modeone-by-one in order to select a specific application at a specificlocation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a communication device isprovided. The communication device includes a wireless communicationunit for determining location using received information, a controllerfor generating location information according to the determined locationand searching for an application corresponding to the locationinformation, and a display for displaying an indicator of the searchedapplication.

It is contemplated that the controller specifies at least oneapplication according to the location information. It is furthercontemplated that, the controller stops displaying an indicator of apreviously searched application and displays an indicator of the atleast one specified application if the previously searched applicationno longer corresponds to the location information.

It is contemplated that the communication device includes a user inputunit for selecting the displayed indicator and wherein the controllerexecutes the application corresponding to the selected indicator. It isfurther contemplated that the controller searches for state settinginformation corresponding to the location information and changes astate according to the searched state setting information.

It is contemplated that the state setting information includes settinginformation related to at least one of a background image, an announcingmode or a network change. It is further contemplated that the wirelesscommunication unit transmits an operation control signal to an externaldevice according to the searched state setting information.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of controlling anoperation in a communication device is provided. The method includesdetermining a location using received information, generating locationinformation according to the determined location, searching for anapplication corresponding to the location information, and displaying anindicator of the searched application.

It is contemplated that displaying the searched application includesspecifying at least one application according to the locationinformation. It is further contemplated that displaying the searchedapplication further includes no longer displaying an indicator of apreviously searched application and displaying an indicator of the atleast one specified application if the previously searched applicationno longer corresponds to the location information.

It is contemplated that the method further includes receiving a userinput unit for selecting the displayed indicator and executing theapplication corresponding to the selected indicator. It is furthercontemplated that the method further includes searching for statesetting information corresponding to the location information andchanging a state of the communication device according to the searchedstate setting information.

It is contemplated that the state setting information includes settinginformation related to at least one of a background image, an announcingmode or a network change. It is further contemplated that the methodfurther includes transmitting an operation control signal to an externaldevice according to the searched state setting information.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of controlling anoperation in a communication device is provided. The method includesdetermining a location using received information, generating locationinformation based on the determined location, searching for statesetting information corresponding to the location information, andchanging a state of the communication device according to the searchedstate setting information.

It is contemplated that the state setting information includes settinginformation related to at least one of a background image, an announcingmode or a network change. It is further contemplated that the methodfurther includes transmitting an operation control signal to an externaldevice according to the searched state setting information.

It is contemplated that the method further includes searching for anapplication corresponding to the location information, and displaying anindicator of the searched application. It is further contemplated thatdisplaying the searched application includes specifying at least oneapplication according to the location information and no longerdisplaying an indicator of a previously searched application anddisplaying an indicator of the at least one specified application if thepreviously searched application no longer corresponds to the locationinformation. Preferably, the method further includes receiving a userinput unit for selecting the displayed indicator and executing theapplication corresponding to the selected indicator.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. It is to beunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description of the present invention are exemplary andexplanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of theinvention as claimed.

These and other embodiments will also become readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the following detailed description of theembodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention notbeing limited to any particular embodiments disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that arereferenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same,equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance withone or more embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a communication device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a front side of a communicationdevice according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the communication device illustratedin FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a CDMA wireless communicationsystem operable with the communication device illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a first method of controlling anoperation in a communication device according to the present invention.

FIGS. 6A to 6D illustrate a screen of a process for setting locationinformation in a communication device according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 7A to 7C illustrate a screen of a process for specifying anapplication according to location information in a communication deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A to 8D illustrate a screen of a process for specifying anapplication according to location information in a communication deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a map table of an application specified according tolocation information according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a first screen for displaying an indicatorof an application specified according to location information in acommunication device according to the present invention.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a second screen for displaying an indicatorof an application specified according to location information in acommunication device according to the present invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a third screen for displaying an indicatorof an application specified according to location information in acommunication device according to the present invention.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a screen of a process for executing anapplication specified according to location information in acommunication device according an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a screen displaying an indicator of anapplication specified according to location information in acommunication device according to an embodiment of the present inventionwhen the application specified according to the location information ischanged due to a new location.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a second method of controlling an operation ina communication device according to the present invention.

FIGS. 16A to 16E illustrate a screen of a process for specifying statesetting information according to location information in a communicationdevice according an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a map table of state setting information specifiedaccording to location information according to an embodiment the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a screen of a process for changing a state inaccordance with changed state setting information in a communicationdevice according to an embodiment of the present invention when thestate setting information specified according to location information ischanged due to a new location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in thistechnological field that other embodiments may be utilized, andstructural, electrical, as well as procedural changes may be madewithout departing from the scope of the present invention. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings torefer to the same or similar parts.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of communication device 100 in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. The communication device 1 00may be implemented using a variety of different types of terminals.Examples of such terminals include mobile phones, user equipment, smartphones, computers, digital broadcast terminals, personal digitalassistants, portable multimedia players (PMP) and navigators.

By way of non-limiting example only, the present invention will bedescribed with regard to a communication device. However, the presentinvention may be applied to other types of terminals.

FIG. 1 illustrates the communication device 100 having variouscomponents. However, it is understood that implementing all of theillustrated components is not a requirement. Greater or fewer componentsmay alternatively be implemented.

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless communication unit 110 configured withcommonly implemented components. For example, the wireless communicationunit 110 typically includes one or more components that permit wirelesscommunication between the communication device 100 and a wirelesscommunication system or network within which the communication device islocated.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and/orbroadcast associated information from an external broadcast managingentity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include asatellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast managingentity refers generally to a system that transmits a broadcast signaland/or broadcast associated information.

Examples of broadcast associated information include informationassociated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program and a broadcastservice provider. For example, broadcast associated information mayinclude an electronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimediabroadcasting (DMB) and electronic service guide (ESG) of digital videobroadcast-handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcast signal, aradio broadcast signal, or a data broadcast signal. The broadcast signalmay further include a broadcast signal combined with a TV or radiobroadcast signal.

The broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to receivebroadcast signals transmitted from various types of broadcast systems.By non-limiting example, such broadcasting systems include digitalmultimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimediabroadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), digital video broadcast-handheld(DVB-H), the data broadcasting system known as media forward link only(MediaFLO®) and integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial(ISDB-T).

Receiving multicast signals is also possible. Data received by thebroadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in a suitable device, suchas the memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits/receives wireless signalsto/from one or more network entities, such as a base station or Node-B.The signals may represent audio, video, multimedia, control signaling,or data.

The wireless Internet module 113 supports Internet access for thecommunication device 100. The wireless Internet module 113 may beinternally or externally coupled to the terminal.

The short-range communication module 114 facilitates relativelyshort-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing theshort-range module 114 include radio frequency identification (RFID),infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), as well at thenetworking technologies commonly referred to as Bluetooth® and ZigBee®.

The position-location module 115 identifies or otherwise determines thelocation of the communication device 100. The position-location module115 may be implemented using global positioning system (GPS) componentsthat cooperate with associated satellites, network components, andcombinations thereof.

The audio/video (A/V) input unit 120 is configured to provide audio orvideo signal inputs to the communication device 100. As illustrated, theA/V input unit 120 includes a camera 121 and a microphone 122. Two ormore microphones 122 and/or cameras 121 may be included.

The camera 121 receives and processes image frames of still pictures orvideo. The microphone 122 receives an external audio signal while thecommunication device 100 is in a specific mode, such as phone call mode,recording mode or voice recognition mode. This audio signal is processedand converted into digital data.

The communication device 100, and specifically the A/V input unit 120,typically includes assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noisegenerated in the course of receiving the external audio signal. Datagenerated by the A/V input unit 120 may be stored in the memory 160,utilized by output unit 150, or transmitted via one or more modules ofthe communication unit 110.

The user input unit 130 generates input data in response to usermanipulation of an associated input device or devices. The input devicesmay include a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch or atouchpad utilizing static pressure or capacitance. A specific example ofthe user input unit 130 configured as a touchpad in cooperation with atouch screen display will be described in more detail.

The sensing unit 140 provides status measurements related to variousaspects of the communication device 100. For example, the sensing unit140 may detect an open/close status of the communication device 100, aposition change of the communication device or component of thecommunication device, a presence or absence of user contact with thecommunication device, orientation of the communication device,acceleration or deceleration of the communication device, or relativepositioning of components of the communication device, such as a displayor keypad.

The sensing unit 140 in a communication device 100 configured as aslide-type communication device may sense whether a sliding portion ofthe communication device is open or closed. The sensing unit 140 mayalso sense the presence or absence of power provided by the power supply190 or the presence or absence of a coupling or other connection betweenthe interface unit 170 and an external device.

The interface unit 170 is often implemented to couple the communicationdevice 100 with external devices. Typical external devices includewired/wireless headphones, external chargers, power supplies, earphones,microphones, and storage devices configured to store data such as audio,video, or pictures. The interface unit 170 may be configured using awired/wireless data port, audio input/output ports, video input/outputports or a card socket for coupling to a memory card, subscriberidentity module (SIM) card, user identity module (UIM) card, orremovable user identity module (RUIM) card.

The output unit 150 generally includes various components that supportthe output requirements of the communication device 100. The display 151is typically implemented to visually display information associated withthe communication device 100.

For example, the display 151 will generally provide a user interface orgraphical user interface that includes information associated withplacing, conducting, and terminating a phone call if the communicationdevice is operating in a phone call mode. As another example, thedisplay 151 may additionally or alternatively display images associatedwith a video call mode or a photographing mode of the communicationdevice 100.

The display 151 may be configured as a touch screen working incooperation with an input device, such as a touchpad, in one embodiment.This configuration permits the display 151 to function both as an outputdevice and an input device.

The display 151 may be implemented using known display technologiesincluding a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquidcrystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light-emitting diode display(OLED), a flexible display or a three-dimensional display. Thecommunication device 100 may include one or more of displays 151. Anexample of a two-display embodiment is one display 151 configured as aninternal display viewable when the communication device 100 is in anopen position and a second display configured as an external displayviewable in both the open and closed positions.

FIG. 1 further illustrates the output unit 150 having an audio outputmodule 152 that supports the audio output requirements of thecommunication device 100. The audio output module 152 may be implementedusing one or more speakers, buzzers, other audio producing devices, orcombinations thereof.

The audio output module 152 functions in various modes such as acall-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voicerecognition mode or a broadcast reception mode. The audio output module152 outputs audio related to a particular function during operation ofthe communication device 100, such as call received, message received,or errors.

The output unit 150 is further illustrated having an alarm module 153,which is commonly used to signal or otherwise identify the occurrence ofa particular event associated with the communication device 100. Typicalevents include call received, message received and user input received.

Examples of outputs of the alarm module 153 include tactile sensationsto a user such as vibration. For example, the alarm module 153 may beconfigured to vibrate when the communication device 100 receives a callor message or receives a user input in order to provide a tactilefeedback mechanism. It is understood that the various outputs providedby the components of the output unit 150 may be separately performed orthe outputs may be performed using any combination of the components.

The memory 160 is generally used to store various types of data tosupport the processing, control, and storage requirements of thecommunication device 100. Examples of data stored in the memory 160include program instructions for applications operating on thecommunication device 100, contact data, phonebook data, messages,pictures, and video.

The memory 160 may be implemented using any type or combination ofsuitable volatile and non-volatile memory or storage devices. Examplesof such devices include random access memory (RAM), static random accessmemory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmableread-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flashmemory, magnetic or optical disk, card-type memory, and other similarmemory or data storage devices.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operations of thecommunication device 100. For example, the controller 180 performscontrol and processing associated with voice calls, data communications,video calls, camera operations and recording operations.

The controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181 that providesmultimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may be configured as partof the controller 180 or implemented as a separate component.

The power supply 190 provides power required by the various componentsof the communication device 100. The power provided may be internalpower, external power, or combinations thereof.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may utilizecomputer software, hardware, or some combination thereof.

The embodiments described herein may be implemented in a hardwareimplementation within one or more application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signalprocessing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers,micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed toperform the functions described herein, or a selective combinationthereof. Controller 180 may implement the embodiments.

The embodiments described herein may be implemented in a softwareimplementation with separate software modules, such as procedures andfunctions, each of which perform one or more of the functions andoperations described herein. The software codes can be implemented witha software application written in any suitable programming language thatis stored in the memory 160 and executed by the controller 180.

The communication device 100 may be implemented in a variety ofdifferent configurations. Examples of such configurations includefolder-type, slide-type, bar-type, rotational-type, swing-type andcombinations thereof.

For clarity, the disclosure of the present invention will primarilyrelate to a slide-type communication device 100. However such teachingsapply equally to other types of terminals.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a front side of a communication deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the communication device 100 includes a first body 200configured to slideably move relative to a second body 205.

The user input unit 130 is implemented using function keys 210 and akeypad 215. The function keys 210 are associated with first body 200 andthe keypad 215 is located on second body 205. The keypad 215 includesvarious keys, such as numbers, characters, and symbols, to enable a userto place a call, prepare a text or multimedia message, and otherwiseoperate the communication device 100.

The first body 200 slides relative to second body 205 between open andclosed positions of the communication device 100. The first body 200 ispositioned over the second body 205 in a closed position such that thekeypad 215 is substantially or completely covered by the first body.User access to the keypad 215, the display 151 and the function keys 210is facilitated in the open position. The function keys 210 provide aconvenient means for a user to enter commands, such as ‘start’, ‘stop’and ‘scroll’.

The communication device 100 may operate in a standby mode to receive acall or message or receive and respond to network control signaling, orin an active call mode. The communication device 100 typically operatesin the standby mode when in the closed position and operates in theactive mode when in the open position. However, the mode configurationmay be changed as required or desired.

The first body 200 is illustrated as formed from a first case 220 and asecond case 225. The second body 205 is illustrated as formed from afirst case 230 and a second case 235. The first cases 220, 230 andsecond cases 225, 235 are typically formed from a suitably rigidmaterial, such as injection molded plastic, or formed using metallicmaterial, such as stainless steel (STS) and titanium (Ti).

One or more intermediate cases may be provided between the first cases220, 230 and second cases 225, 235 of one or both of the first 200 andsecond 205 bodies. The first body 200 and second body 205 are typicallysized to receive electronic components necessary to support operation ofthe communication device 100.

The first body 200 is illustrated as having a camera 121 and audiooutput module 152 configured as a speaker positioned relative to thedisplay 151. The camera 121 may be constructed such that it can beselectively positioned relative to first body 200 by being rotated orswiveled.

The function keys 210 are positioned adjacent to a lower side of thedisplay 151. The display 151 is illustrated as an LCD or OLED, but mayalso be configured as a touch screen having an underlying touchpad togenerate signals in response to user contact with the touch screen, suchas with a finger or stylus.

The second body 205 has a microphone 122 positioned adjacent to thekeypad 215 and side keys 245 positioned along the side of second body,which function as a user input unit 130. Preferably, the side keys 245are configured as hot keys, such that the side keys are associated witha particular function of the communication device 100.

An interface unit 170 is positioned adjacent to the side keys 245. Apower supply 190 in the form of a battery is located on a lower portionof the second body 205.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the communication device 100 illustrated inFIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates a camera 221 with an associated flash 250 andmirror 255 located on the second body 205.

The flash operates in conjunction with the camera 221. The mirror 255facilitates a user positioning the camera 221 in a self-portrait mode.The camera 221 faces a direction that is opposite to a direction facedby the camera 121 of the first body 200 illustrated in FIG. 2. Each ofthe cameras 121, 221 may have the same or different capabilities.

The camera 121 of the first body 200 may have a relatively lowerresolution than the camera 221 of the second body 205 in one embodiment.This configuration works well during a videoconference, for example, inwhich reverse link bandwidth capabilities may be limited. The relativelyhigher resolution of the camera 221 of the second body 205 facilitateshigher quality pictures for later use or for communicating with others.

The second body 205 also includes an audio output module 252 configuredas a speaker and located on an upper side of the second body 205. Theaudio output modules 152, 252 of the first and second bodies 200, 205,may cooperate to provide stereo output. Furthermore, either or both ofthe audio output modules 152, 252 may be configured to operate as aspeakerphone.

A broadcast signal receiving antenna 260 is located at an upper end ofthe second body 205. The antenna 260 functions in cooperation with thebroadcast receiving module 111. The antenna 260 may be fixed orconfigured to retract into the second body 205.

The rear side of the first body 200 includes a slide module 265. Theslide module 265 slideably couples with a corresponding slide module(not shown) located on the front side of the second body 205.

It is understood that the illustrated arrangement of the variouscomponents of the first and second bodies 200, 205, may be modified asrequired or desired. For example, some or all of the componentsillustrated on the second body 205 may alternatively be implemented onthe first body 200 and vise-versa. Furthermore, the location andrelative positioning of the components is not critical to manyembodiments and, therefore, the components may be positioned atlocations that differ from those illustrated in the FIGS. 2 and 3.

The communication device 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 may be configuredto operate within a communication system that transmits data via framesor packets, such as wireless communication systems, wirelinecommunication systems, and satellite-based communication systems. Thevarious communication systems utilize different air interfaces and/orphysical layers.

Examples of air interfaces utilized by the various communication systemsinclude frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time divisionmultiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), universalmobile telecommunications system (UMTS), long term evolution (LTE) ofthe UMTS, and the global system for mobile communications (GSM). Furtherdescription of the present invention will be with respect to a CDMAcommunication system. However, such teachings apply equally to othertypes of systems.

FIG. 4 illustrates a CDMA wireless communication system. As illustratedin FIG. 4, the system includes a plurality of communication devices 100,a plurality of base stations 270, a base station controllers (BSCs) 275,and a mobile switching center (MSC) 280.

The MSC 280 interfaces with a conventional public switch telephonenetwork (PSTN) 290. The MSC 280 is also interfaces with the BSCs 275.

The BSCs 275 are coupled to the base stations 270 via backhaul lines.The backhaul lines may be configured in accordance with any of severalknown interfaces, such as E1/T1, ATM, IP, PPP, Frame Relay, HDSL, ADSL,or xDSL. The system may also include more than two BSCs 275.

Each base station 270 may include one or more sectors, each sectorhaving an omni-directional antenna or an antenna pointed in a particulardirection radially away from the base station. Alternatively, eachsector may include two antennas for diversity reception. Each basestation 270 may be configured to support a plurality of frequencyassignments, each having a particular spectrum, such as 1.25 MHz or 5MHz.

The intersection of a sector and frequency assignment may be referred toas a CDMA channel. The base stations 270 may also be referred to as basestation transceiver subsystems (BTSs).

The term “base station” may be used to refer collectively to a BSC 275and one or more base stations 270. The base stations may also be denotedas “cell sites.” Alternatively, individual sectors of a given basestation 270 may be referred to as cell sites.

A broadcasting transmitter 295 broadcasts to communication devices 100operating within the system. The broadcast receiving module 111 of thecommunication devices 100 is typically configured to receive broadcastsignals transmitted by the broadcasting transmitter 295. Similararrangements may be implemented for other types of broadcast andmulticast signaling as previously discussed.

FIG. 4 further depicts several global positioning system (GPS)satellites 300. The satellites 300 facilitate locating the position ofsome or all of the communication devices 100.

Although two satellites 300 are illustrated, it is understood thatuseful positioning information may be obtained with greater or fewersatellites. The position-location module 115 is typically configured tocooperate with the satellites 300 in order to obtain desired positioninformation. It is contemplated that other types of position detectiontechnology, such as location technology that may be used in addition toor instead of GPS location technology, may alternatively be implemented.Some or all of the GPS satellites 300 may alternatively or additionallybe configured to provide satellite DMB transmissions.

The base stations 270 receive sets of reverse-link signals from variouscommunication devices 100 during typical operation of the wirelesscommunication system. The communication devices 100 are engaged incalls, messaging, and other communications.

Each reverse-link signal received by a given base station 270 isprocessed within the same base station. The resulting data is forwardedto an associated BSC 275.

The BSCs 275 provide call resource allocation and mobility managementfunctionality including the orchestration of soft handoffs between basestations 270. The BSCs 275 also route the received data to the MSC 280,which provides additional routing services for interfacing with the PSTN290. The PSTN interfaces with the MSC 280 and the MSC interfaces withthe BSCs 275, which in turn control the base stations 270 to transmitsets of forward-link signals to the communication devices 100.

As used herein, ‘location information’ refers to location relevantinformation generated based on a location of a communication device 100.For example, location information can include at least one ofadministrative address information, POI (point of interest) information,setup name information and relative location information. The locationinformation may also refer to the coordinate information itself.

The administrative address information can hierarchically include abroad-classification area. Examples of broad-classification areas are acountry, a first middle-classification area such as a state, specialcity, or metropolitan city, a second middle-classification area such ascity or county, a first narrow-classification area, or a secondnarrow-classification area.

For example, the administrative address information can be selectivelygenerated from a group ranging from the broad-classification area to thenarrow-classification area. This facilitates pre-storing the coordinateinformation according to the administrative address information in thememory 160 or receiving the coordinate information according to theadministrative address information from outside via the wirelesscommunication unit 110.

The POI information refers to name or special item information that isset for a specific place. For example, the POI information can include aname such as ‘xx mart’, ‘xx restaurant’, or ‘xx department store’ orspecial item information such as ‘Gyunggi-Do restaurant for good taste’,‘Recommended date place’, or ‘Weekend visit place’. The coordinateinformation according to the POI information may be pre-stored in thememory 160 or received from outside via the wireless communication unit110.

The setup name information refers to a name or special item informationset up for a specific place by a user. For example, the setup nameinformation can include ‘yesterday meeting place’, ‘first data place’,‘restaurant for good taste’, ‘company’, ‘house’, or ‘school’. Thecoordinate information according to the setup name information ispre-stored in the memory 160 or received from outside via the wirelesscommunication unit 110.

The relative location information refers to information based on apattern moving between one point and another point as a moving distance,a moving time, a moving speed, or a moving direction. The relativelocation information may also refer to information based on a relativelocation with reference to a distance to a specific point, such as alocation of a specific communication device 100, a moving speed, or amoving direction. The coordinate information of a specific point ispre-stored in the memory 160 or received from outside via the wirelesscommunication unit 110.

A method for controlling on operation in a communication deviceaccording to the present invention is explained with reference to FIG.5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for a first method of controlling an operationin a communication device 100. For clarity and convenience ofexplanation, it is assumed that the communication device 100 includes atleast one of the elements illustrated in FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the communication device 100 specifies atleast one application (S501). Location information that is a specifiedtarget of an application is directly input by a user via the user inputunit 130 or can be selected from location information previously storedin the memory 160 by a user.

A process for setting location information as a specified target of anapplication is explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D.FIGS. 6A to 6D illustrate a screen of a process for setting locationinformation in a communication device 100 according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, a user is able to directly inputadministrative address information 611 to the communication device 100via the user input unit 130 as a specified target of an application.Coordinate information of the administrative address information 611 maybe pre-stored in the memory 160.

As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the communication device 100 displays a list612 of POI information or setup name information for which coordinateinformation or administrative address information are pre-stored in thememory 160. Therefore, a user is able to select location informationthat is a specified target of the application, from the list 612.

As illustrated in FIG. 6C, relative location information with referenceto a specific place, such as ‘within 1 km from home’, can be input tothe communication device 100 via the user input unit 130. As illustratedin FIG. 6D, relative location information in a specific place, ‘over 60km/h on road’, can be input to the communication device 100 via the userinput unit 130.

A user can freely set the specific place and the relative locationinformation illustrated in FIG. 6C and FIG. 6D. Coordinate informationor administrative address information related to the specific place maybe pre-stored in the memory 160 when the specific place is POIinformation or setup name information.

A process for specifying an application according to information isexplained in detail with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C. FIGS. 7A to 7Cillustrate a screen for a process for specifying an applicationaccording to location information in a communication device 100according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the communication device 100 displays a list711 of applications that will be preset to correspond to locationinformation when a specific key, such as an application specifyingcommand key, is selected after setting location information. Forexample, the communication device 100 may specify ‘Message writing’711-1, ‘Broadcast service’ 711-2 and ‘Remote controller’ 711-3 tocorrespond to a preset location information, such as ‘Gyunggi-DoSuwon-Si Jangan-Gu Yuljeon-Dong Apartment-A #101-101’ in response to aselection made by a user.

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the communication device 100 displays a list712 of applications as a word balloon that will be specified tocorrespond to the selected location information when a specific locationinformation, such as ‘company’, is selected from a location informationlist 612. For example, the communication device 100 may specify‘Phonebook’ 712-1, ‘Schedule management’ 712-2 and ‘Wireless internet’712-3 to correspond to ‘company’ selected from the location informationlist 612 in response to a selection made by a user. The list 712 isdisplayed using a screen division such as PIP (picture in picture), POP(picture out picture), or picture by picture (PBP).

As illustrated in FIG. 7C, the communication device 100 displays a list713 as a popup window of applications that will be specified tocorrespond to the selected location information when specificinformation, such as ‘home’, is selected from the location informationlist 612. For example, the communication device 100 may specify‘Broadcast service’ 713-1 and ‘Remote controller’ 713-2 to correspond to‘home’ selected from the location information list 612 in response to aselection made by a user. The application list 713 is displayed using ascreen division system such as PIP, POP, or PBP.

A process for specifying an application according to locationinformation for an application operation in the communication device 100is explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8D. FIGS. 8A to 8Dillustrate a screen of a process for specifying an application accordingto location information in a communication device 100 for an applicationoperation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the communication device 100 mayspecify a navigation speed exceeding a current traveling speed at acurrently located place if the ‘Specifying’ area is activated whileexecuting a navigation function. For example, the communication device100 may specify a navigation speed over 60 km/h on Gyungbu-Highway if‘Specifying’ is activated while traveling Gyungbu-Highway at 60 km/h.

As illustrated in FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D, the communication device 100 mayspecify a broadcast service, such as TV broadcast, to a currentlylocated place if the ‘Specifying’ area of the display 151 is activatedwhile outputting broadcast signals. For example, the communicationdevice 100 specifies a broadcast service to the home if ‘Specifying’ isactivated while outputting a broadcast at home using the communicationdevice 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 8D, the communication device 100 mayspecify an operating application to correspond to a currently locatedplace when an area or key for specifying an application is activatedduring random application operation. Although not illustrated, thecommunication device 100 may specify at least one application tocorrespond to a specific place in order of higher execution frequencyfor a predetermined period at the specific place in the absence ofaction by a user. Furthermore, the communication device 100 may specifyat least one application to correspond to a specific place in order ofhigher execution necessity or higher execution possibility at thespecific place in the absence of action by a user.

With further reference to FIG. 5, the communication device 100 may storethe specified application according to location information (S510) as amap table in the memory 160. A map table of an application specifiedaccording to location information according to the present invention isexplained in detail with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 illustrates a map table of an application specified according tolocation information according to the present invention in whichlocation information is limited to POI information. It is contemplatedthat location information can include any one of coordinate information,administrative address information, setup name information and relativelocation information. As illustrated FIG. 9, a ‘Broadcast service’ and a‘Remote controller’ are specified to correspond to ‘Home’ 911.Specifically, the ‘Broadcast service’ is set for execution when within 1km of the ‘Home’ 911.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, ‘Schedule management’ and ‘Electronicdictionary’ are specified to correspond to ‘Company’ 912. Specifically,‘Schedule management’ is set for execution when within 1 km of the‘Company’ 912.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, ‘Electronic dictionary’ is specified tocorrespond to ‘Library’ 913. Furthermore, ‘Electronic dictionary’ is setfor execution when within 1 km from the ‘Library’ 913.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, ‘MP3’ and a ‘Wireless Internet’ are specifiedto correspond to a ‘Department store’ 914. Specifically, the ‘MP3’ isset for execution when a speed exceeds 1 km/h and ‘Wireless Internet’ isset for execution when within 1 km of the ‘Department store’ 914.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, ‘Camera’ and ‘MP3’ are specified to correspondto a ‘Park’ 915. Specifically, ‘Camera’ is set for execution when within1 km of the ‘Park’ and ‘MP3’ is set for execution when a speed exceeds 5km/h.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, ‘Broadcast service’, ‘Game’, ‘MP3’ and ‘Subwaylinemap’ are specified to correspond to a ‘Subway’ 916. Specifically,‘Subway linemap’ is set for execution when within 1 km from the ‘Subway’916.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, ‘MP3’ and ‘Navigation’ are specified tocorrespond to a ‘Road’ 917. Specifically, ‘MP3’ is set for executionwhen a speed exceeding 10 km/h and ‘navigation’ is set for executionwhen a speed exceeds 30 km/h.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, ‘Broadcast service’ and ‘Electronicdictionary’ are specified to correspond to a ‘School’ 918. Specifically,‘Electronic dictionary’ is set for execution when within 1 km from the‘School’ 918.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the communication device 100 receivesinformation for location measurement via the wireless communication unit110 (S503). The information for the location measurement can contain atleast one of location information on each of a plurality of satellitesvia GPS, base station location information and network locationinformation. Alternatively, the information for the location measurementmay be obtained using an accelerometer provided in the communicationdevice 100.

The communication device 100 measures its location using the receivedlocation measurement information (S505). Specifically, the communicationdevice 100 may measure its location via the controller 180 or inresponse to a control signal from the controller using theposition-location module 115.

The communication device 100 may also measure its location viacoordinate information. The coordinate information can contain latitude,longitude, distance, speed, or time information.

The communication device 100 generates location information based on themeasured location (S507). The controller 180 may execute the generation.

The communication device 100 is able to generate the locationinformation as at least one of administrative address information basedon coordinate information, POI information, setup name information andrelative location information. The communication device 100 searches thememory 160 for application(s) specified to correspond to the generatedlocation information (S509).

The communication device 100 may use the map table illustrated in FIG. 9to search for the corresponding application. The controller 180 maysearch for the application(s) corresponding to the searched locationinformation after the map table has been searched for locationinformation matching the generated location information. For Example,the controller 180 may search the map table for the ‘Broadcast service’and ‘Remote controller’ applications specified to correspond to the‘Home’ 911 when the generated location information is ‘Home’.

The communication device 100 displays an indicator of the searchedapplication on the display 151 (S511). For example, the indicator of thesearched application is displayed using at least one of an icon, asymbol, an image and text.

Displaying the indicator (S511) is explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 10A to 12B. For clarity and convenience of explanation, it isassumed that an application according to location information isspecified based on the map table illustrated in FIG. 9.

The communication device 100 displays an indicator 101 indicating‘Broadcast’ service corresponding to ‘Home’ and an indicator 102indicating ‘Remote’ controller corresponding to ‘Home’ while in astandby mode when the generated location information is ‘Home’, asillustrated in FIG. 10A. The communication device 100 also displays thesame indicators 101, 102 while executing another application when thegenerated location information is ‘Home”, as illustrated in FIG. 10B.

The communication device 100 displays an indicator 111 indicating ‘MP3’at a speed between 10˜30 km/h when the generated location information is‘Road’, as illustrated in FIG. 11A. The communication device 100displays indicators 111 and 112 indicating, respectively, ‘MP3’ and‘Navigation’ at a speed exceeding 30 km/h when the generated locationinformation is ‘Road’, as illustrated in FIG. 11B.

The communication device 100 displays an indicator 121 indicating‘Schedule’ management when within 1 km of the ‘Company’ if the generatedlocation information is ‘Company’, as illustrated in FIG. 12A. Thecommunication device 100 displays indicators 121 and 122 indicating,respectively, ‘Schedule’ management and electronic ‘Dictionary’ whenlocated at the ‘Company’ if the generated location information is‘Company’, as illustrated in FIG. 12B.

The communication device 100 is also able to directly executeapplication(s) corresponding to the generated location information. Thecommunication device 100 executes ‘MP3’ at a speed between 10˜30 km/h,as illustrated in FIG. 13A, and executes ‘MP3’ and ‘Navigation’ at aspeed exceeding 30 km/h, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, if the generatedlocation information is ‘Road’.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the communication device 100 determineswhether the application corresponding to the generated locationinformation is changed in accordance with a change in its location(S513). For example, the communication device 100 determines that theapplication corresponding to the location information has changed basedon the map table illustrated in FIG. 9 if a location of thecommunication device is shifted to ‘Home’ from ‘Company’.

The communication device 100 stops displaying the indicator of theapplication corresponding to the previous location and displays anindicator of the application corresponding to the new location (S515) ifit is determined that the application has changed. The communicationdevice 100 continues to display the present application if it isdetermined that the application is not changed (S511).

The display of the indicator of the application according to thelocation change is explained in detail with reference to FIG. 14A andFIG. 14B. For clarity and convenience of explanation, the followingdescription is based on the map table illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B illustrate a screen displaying an indicator of anapplication corresponding to location information in a communicationdevice 100 according to the present invention when the applicationcorresponding to the location information is changed in accordance witha changed location of the communication device. As illustrated in FIG.14A and FIG. 14B, the communication device 100 stops displayingindicators 1401 and 1402 indicating, respectively, ‘Schedule’ managementand electronic ‘Dictionary’ applications corresponding to ‘Company’ anddisplays indicators 1403, 1404, 1405 and 1406 indicating, respectively,‘Broadcast’ service, ‘game’, ‘MP3’ and subway ‘Linemap’ applicationswhen the location is shifted to ‘Subway’ from ‘Company’.

The communication device 100 executes an application corresponding tothe selected indicator (S519) if one of the displayed indicators isselected (S517). Selecting an indicator (S517) and executing acorresponding selected application (S519) are not mandatory for thepresent invention. Therefore, these steps may be omitted. Although notshown in the drawing, the communication device 100 may transmit acontrol signal to an external device in order to execute the applicationif an application needs to be executed in association with an externaldevice.

A method for controlling an operation in a communication device 100according to the present invention is explained with reference to FIG.15. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for a second method of controlling anoperation in a communication device 100 according to the presentinvention.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the communication device 100 specifies statesetting information according to location information (S1501). Thelocation information that is a specified target of the state settinginformation may be directly input by a user via the user input unit 130or may be selected by a user from location information previously storedin the memory 160, as previously explained with regard to FIGS. 6A to6D.

An operation of specifying state setting information according toinformation is explained with reference to FIGS. 16A to 16E. For clarityand convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the locationinformation that is a specified target of state setting information ispreviously inputted or selected. FIGS. 16A to 16E illustrate a screen ofa process for specifying state setting information according to locationinformation in a communication device 100 according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 16A, the communication device 100 displays a list1610 including a plurality of state setting items on the display 151when a state for specifying the state setting information according tothe location information is set. For example, the list 1610 can containbackground image setting, MP3 play list setting, announcing modesetting, bell sound/volume setting, or network setting.

As illustrated in FIG. 16B, the communication device 100 displays animage list including at least one image settable as a background imageif ‘Background image setting’ is selected from the list 1610. An imageselected by a user from the image list may then be specified as abackground image for corresponding location information.

As illustrated in FIG. 16C, the communication device 100 displays a listof audio files playable by MP3 if ‘MP3 play list setting’ is selectedfrom the list 1610. An audio file selected by a user from the list maythen be specified as an MP3 play list for corresponding locationinformation.

As illustrated in FIG. 16D, the communication device 100 displays anannouncing mode list if ‘Announcing mode setting’ is selected from thelist 1610. An announcing mode selected by a user from the list may thenbe specified as an announcing mode for corresponding locationinformation.

As illustrated in FIG. 16E, the communication device 100 displays a bellsound/volume list if ‘Bell sound/volume setting’ is selected from thelist 1610. A bell sound/volume selected by a user from the list may thenbe specified as a bell sound/volume for corresponding locationinformation.

Referring again to FIG. 15, the communication device 100 stores thestate setting information specified according to the specified locationinformation in the memory 160. Specifically, the state settinginformation according to the location information is stored in a maptable format.

The map table of the state setting information according to the locationinformation is explained in detail with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17illustrates a map table of state setting information specified accordingto location information in an embodiment of the present invention inwhich location information is limited to POI information. As previouslydescribed, it is understood that location information can include atleast one of coordinate information, administrative address information,POI information, setup name information and relative locationinformation.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, a ‘Second image’ is specified as a backgroundimage corresponding to ‘Home’ 1711 and a ‘First IP’ address is specifiedas a ‘Network access’ address. Specifically, the ‘Second image’ is setfor specification as a background image upon entry within 1 km from the‘Home’ 1711.

As further illustrated in FIG. 17, a ‘Third image’ is specified as abackground to ‘Company’ 1712, a ‘Second IP’ address is specified as a‘Network access’ address, and a ‘Vibration mode’ is specified as anannouncing mode. Specifically, all state setting information is set forspecification upon entry within 1 km from the ‘Company’ 1712.

As further illustrated in FIG. 17, a ‘Vibration mode’ is set to bespecified as the announcing mode to ‘Department store’ 1713 within 1 kmfrom the ‘Department store’. As further illustrated in FIG. 17, a ‘Bellsound mode’ is set for specification as an announcing mode to ‘Road’1715.

As further illustrated in FIG. 17, a ‘Vibration mode’ is specified as anannouncing mode to ‘Subway’ 1714 and an ‘MP3 play list’ is separatelyspecified. Specifically, a separate ‘MP3 play list’ is set forspecification when within 1 km from the ‘Subway’ 1714.

As further illustrated in FIG. 17, a ‘First image’ is specified as abackground image to ‘School’ 1716 and a ‘Lamp mode’ is specified as anannouncing mode to the ‘School’. Specifically, all state settinginformation is set for specification when within 1 km from the ‘School’1716.

Referring again to FIG. 15, the communication device 100 receivesinformation for location measurement (S1503) and then measures itslocation using the received information (S1505). The communicationdevice 100 then generates location information based on the measuredlocation (S1507).

The processes for receiving information (S1503), measuring location(S1505) and generating location information (S1507) are identical thesame processes illustrated in FIG. 5. Therefore, details are omitted inthe following description.

The communication device 100 searches the memory 160 for state settinginformation corresponding to the generated location information (S1509).As previously disclosed, the communication device 100 may search the maptable of state setting information according to location informationstored in the memory 160.

The communication device 100 searches the map table for locationinformation matching the generated location information and is then ableto search for state setting information corresponding to the searchedlocation information. For example, the communication device 100 searchessearch the map table illustrated in FIG. 17 for ‘Second image’ as abackground image as state setting information corresponding to ‘Home’and ‘First IP’ address as a ‘Network access’ address if the generatedlocation information is ‘Home’. The communication device 100 thenchanges its state in accordance with the searched state settinginformation (S1511).

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the communication device 100 sets thebackground image to the ‘Second image’ and also sets the ‘Networkaccess’ address to the ‘First IP’ address if the generated locationinformation is ‘Home’. As further illustrated in FIG. 17, thecommunication device 100 sets an announcing mode to a ‘Vibration mode’and configures an ‘MP3 play list’ separately if the generated locationinformation is ‘Subway’.

Specifically, the communication device 100 changes its state tocorrespond to changed sate setting information when state settinginformation according to location information is changed due to a newlocation.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the communication device 100 stops displaying‘Second image’ as the background image specified to ‘Home’ and displays‘First image’ as a background image specified to ‘School’ upon moving to‘School’ from ‘Home’.

Referring again to FIG. 15, the communication device 100 may transmit anoperation control signal to an external device in accordance with thesearched state setting information (S1513). Therefore, the communicationdevice 100 is able to facilitate performing an operation correspondingto state setting information in association with the external device.

The method for controlling an operation according to the presentinvention can be implemented in a program recorded medium ascomputer-readable codes. The computer-readable media include all typesof recording devices in which data readable by a computer system arestored.

The computer-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes,floppy discs, optical data, and storage devices and also includecarrier-wave type implementations, such as transmission via Internet.Furthermore, the computer can include the controller 180 of thecommunication device 100.

The present invention provides several effects or advantages. First, thepresent invention allows a user to select an application specifiedaccording location information. Second, the present invention enables astate to be set in accordance with state setting information specifiedaccording to location information.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Therefore,it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

Depending on implementation, it is possible that the present inventioncan take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirelysoftware embodiment or an embodiment containing both hardware andsoftware elements. A software embodiment may include, but not be limitedto, to firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.

Furthermore, the invention can take the form of a computer programproduct accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable mediumproviding program code for use by or in connection with a computer orany instruction execution system. For the purposes of this description,a computer-usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus thatcan contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program foruse by or in connection with the instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing programcode will include at least one processor coupled directly or indirectlyto memory elements through a system bus. The memory elements can includelocal memory employed during actual execution of the program code, bulkstorage, and cache memories which provide temporary storage of at leastsome program code in order to reduce the number of times code must beretrieved from bulk storage during execution.

Other components may be coupled to the system. Input/output or I/Odevices (including but not limited to keyboards, displays, pointingdevices, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directly or throughintervening I/O controllers. Network adapters (e.g., modem, cable modem,Ethernet cards) may also be coupled to the system to enable the dataprocessing system to become coupled to other data processing systems orremote printers or storage devices through intervening private or publicnetworks.

It should be understood that the logic code, programs, modules,processes, methods, and the order in which the respective elements ofeach method are performed are purely exemplary. Depending on theimplementation, they may be performed in any order or in parallel,unless indicated otherwise in the present disclosure. Further, the logiccode is not related, or limited to any particular programming language,and may be comprise one or more modules that execute on one or moreprocessors in a distributed, non-distributed, or multiprocessingenvironment.

As the present invention may be embodied in several forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, itshould also be understood that the above-described embodiments are notlimited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unlessotherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within itsspirit and scope as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, allchanges and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of theclaims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds are intended to beembraced by the appended claims.

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and arenot to be construed as limiting the present invention. The presentteaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses.

The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative,and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives,modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to coverthe structure described herein as performing the recited function andnot only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

1. A communication device, comprising: a wireless communication unit fordetermining location using received information; a controller forgenerating location information according to the determined location andsearching for an application corresponding to the location information;and a display for displaying an indicator of the searched application.2. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the controller specifiesat least one application according to the location information.
 3. Thecommunication device of claim 2, wherein, the controller stopsdisplaying an indicator of a previously searched application anddisplays an indicator of the at least one specified application if thepreviously searched application no longer corresponds to the locationinformation.
 4. The communication device of claim 2, further comprisinga user input unit for selecting the displayed indicator and wherein thecontroller executes the application corresponding to the selectedindicator.
 5. The communication device of claim 1, wherein thecontroller searches for state setting information corresponding to thelocation information and changes a state according to the searched statesetting information.
 6. The communication device of claim 5, wherein thestate setting information comprises setting information related to atleast one of a background image, an announcing mode or a network change.7. The communication device of claim 6, wherein the wirelesscommunication unit transmits an operation control signal to an externaldevice according to the searched state setting information.
 8. A methodof controlling an operation in a communication device, the methodcomprising: determining a location using received information;generating location information according to the determined location;searching for an application corresponding to the location information;and displaying an indicator of the searched application.
 9. The methodof claim 8, wherein displaying the searched application comprisesspecifying at least one application according to the locationinformation.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein displaying the searchedapplication further comprises no longer displaying an indicator of apreviously searched application and displaying an indicator of the atleast one specified application if the previously searched applicationno longer corresponds to the location information.
 11. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising receiving a user input unit for selectingthe displayed indicator and executing the application corresponding tothe selected indicator.
 12. The method of claim 8, further comprisingsearching for state setting information corresponding to the locationinformation and changing a state of the communication device accordingto the searched state setting information.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the state setting information comprises setting informationrelated to at least one of a background image, an announcing mode or anetwork change.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprisingtransmitting an operation control signal to an external device accordingto the searched state setting information.
 15. A method of controllingan operation in a communication device, the method comprising:determining a location using received information; generating locationinformation based on the determined location; searching for statesetting information corresponding to the location information; andchanging a state of the communication device according to the searchedstate setting information.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the statesetting information comprises setting information related to at leastone of a background image, an announcing mode or a network change. 17.The method of claim 16, further comprising transmitting an operationcontrol signal to an external device according to the searched statesetting information.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:searching for an application corresponding to the location information;and displaying an indicator of the searched application.
 19. The methodof claim 18, wherein displaying the searched application comprises:specifying at least one application according to the locationinformation; and no longer displaying an indicator of a previouslysearched application and displaying an indicator of the at least onespecified application if the previously searched application no longercorresponds to the location information.
 20. The method of claim 18,further comprising receiving a user input unit for selecting thedisplayed indicator and executing the application corresponding to theselected indicator.